As reported by: Northwest Indiana News
Total gambling revenue at Northwest Indiana's five casinos reached $105.8 million in March, falling slightly short of February's record $106 million.

Results were uneven, with Majestic Star, in Gary, and Blue Chip, in Michigan City, up over February and Harrah's, Horseshoe and Trump down.

Hammond's Horseshoe Casino was the area's top grossing casino, though its March posting of $31,935,600 fell shy of last month's $32 million.

The calendar played a part, giving March eight weekend days compared to February's nine, Horseshoe General Manager Rick Mazer said.

"The calendar was a little less favorable than in February," Mazer said.

Harrah's East Chicago saw revenues drop by $1.05 million, hitting $27.4 million in March, down from $28.5 million in February.

Trump Casino was down by nearly $200,000, reaching just over $13 million in March.

March revenue was up at Blue Chip, reaching $19.8 million compared to $19 million in February, and at Majestic Star, up $300,000 over February to $13.6 million.

The dip in overall revenue among area boats could be attributable to a number of reasons, according to Edward Feigenbaum, of Indiana Gaming Insight.

"One month doesn't necessarily affect another," he said. "You also have different outside effects, like traffic, and people's attention diverted to some other form of recreation."

Overall, gambling revenues in Indiana topped the $200 million mark for the second consecutive month, Feigenbaum said.

"My bottom line is, take a record month, enjoy it and don't look too much beyond," Feigenbaum said.